What do I do about Sticky Bunny Bottoms?

Smiley, Oracle Of Rabbits ™, says:
No, not a recipe for a delicious pudding, but a common problem in rabbits with an unhealthy diet. Bunnies are adorable creatures and are most often given treats just for looking cute! Follow the recommendations on the packet or box and if you’re bunny is only allowed 2-3 yoghurt drops a day, it is best to stick to this.

Sometimes, overfeeding a bunny with treats can cause an overproduction in caecotrophs, or gross poops. Sometimes these become dinner believe it or not. Certain types of rabbit mix can also cause this problem. The key is to make sure that your rabbit is getting enough fibre in its diet and plenty of fresh hay and water. If you are feeding your rabbit greens and this occurs, swap this for some carrot or fruit and you may notice a change.

If your bunny is unfortunate enough to already have a sticky bum, then don’t panic. Try sitting the little bun in a basin of warm water (only fill the water deep enough to cover the paws) and let them soak there for a good half hour. This is a good opportunity to stroke them and bond with them. Once your bunny has been given a good soak, the sticky poo residue should have come off in the water. Any more that is left can be removed with a cloth or with your hand if you are giving the bunny a shampoo. Rinse off and towel dry your bunny and be sure to keep an eye on them to make sure the sticky bottom does not re occur. It is best to treat a sticky bottom as soon as you see it – rabbits normally clean themselves expertly, but for various reasons, sometimes they are unable to clean themselves and your aid is needed. Sticky bottoms can attract flies and we don’t want any buns plagued with flystrike ☹
Do you have a question for Smiley? Email him at smiley(@)rabbitbites.com